This is an expanded version of the FAQ on our website. Please feel free to ask questions if you have them.
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What are Drumshhh™ pads?
Drumshhh™ pads are pre-cut, self-adhesive, foam-backed felt pads that attach to the face of Rock Band™ drum heads to reduce the drumstick noise and also to protect the drum head.
Do they work?
Absolutely! We tested them with an actual sound level meter (Radio Shack Cat. #33-2050 for those interested). From a distance of six inches, a medium-strength drum hit on an unmodified drum registered 70-72 decibels. A drum head with a Drumshhh™ pad attached registered only 64-66 decibels. A difference of 6-8 decibels may not sound like much, but it is actually a noise reduction of 50% (decibels are logarithmic blah blah blah...trust us, it's about half as loud with Drumshhh™).
Do they reduce drum head sensitivity?
No! We have played through several jam sessions and have never noticed even a slight loss of sensitivity. Don't believe us? Check out our
Testimonials page to see what our customers say!
Do I have to assemble the pads?
Nope. In our very early "experiment" phase, we toyed around with craft store cutters and hand-assembly of the pads - believe us, it's a pain! We still hand-assemble some of our "pattern" discs, but we do it so
you don't have to.
Update: We are considering offering a "kit version" of the Bullseye and Quadrant styles. This would be in addition to (and cheaper than) the pre-assembled versions.
Can they be removed?
Yes, they can. The adhesive is firm, but not permanent. We have applied and removed several sets of pads without any damage to the drum heads. Removal instructions are included in the package. (Note: we do not advertise our pads as being "reusable"; in our experience, once the pads are removed, they do not stick as well when re-applied.)
When I removed my pads, some bits of foam were left behind. What should I do?
Leftover bits of foam can be removed with regular rubbing alcohol. Let it soak into the foam a little bit to loosen the adhesive, then just rub it off with a soft cloth.
What colors do they come in?
As of this writing (1/30/2008), we offer five styles:
- Full-size, 4-color
- Full-size, black
- Small-size, black (allows color ring of drum head to show)
- Full-size, Bullseye
- Full-size, Quadrant
Please check the
home page or
the store (opens new window) to see the latest styles we offer.
How much do they cost?
Please check the store (opens new window) for current details on prices and shipping.
As of this writing (1/30/2008), the suggested retail prices are as follows:
- Full-size, 4-color: $14.99
- Full-size, black: $14.99
- Small-size, black: $14.99
- Full-size, Bullseye: $23.99
- Full-size, Quadrant: $29.99
Will you ship to [country]?
Almost certainly. If USPS Priority Mail can get there, we will ship there. We have customers in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, and Singapore. Please see below for details.
How much is shipping, and how long will it take?
Please check the Terms and Conditions at the store (opens new window) for current details on shipping.
As of this writing (1/30/2008), shipping and handling costs (for a single set of pads) are approximately $5.60 for US destinations, $10 for Canada, and $13 for most other destinations.
If you live outside the US and Canada, please
send us an e-mail and we'll give you details on shipping rates.
How do I clean my Drumshhh™ pads?
We recommend using a lint roller (or a piece of packing tape) to pick up dust, dirt, and drummer dandruff. We do not recommend using any type of liquid cleaners while the pads are installed.